"Hah!"
Toshiro let out a light shout, holding the bamboo sword high with both hands. His footwork alternated between long and short steps, moving in an odd rhythm as he charged towards Yamamoto.
This footwork paired with swordsmanship was highly sophisticated, far beyond the simple techniques taught in regular Shin'o Academy's classes.
Toshiro had specifically learned it from a retired elderly swordsmanship professor of the Shin'o Academy.
Each step was not only unpredictable but also accumulated his body's strength and personal momentum.
By the time Toshiro stepped within three meters of Yamamoto, his momentum and power had peaked.
Then, Toshiro shouted, instantly slashing down like a waterfall… unstoppable.
Such momentum even surprised Sasakibe, who was acting as a background observer, unconsciously gripping his Zanpakuto.
Whoosh!
Yamamoto's bamboo sword swung, creating a gust of wind, meeting Toshiro's descending sword at an energy-efficient angle.
The two bamboo swords clashed, pressed against each other, then slid apart.
Then, driven by their wielders, they swung back for another strike.
Toshiro held his bamboo sword, thrusting and slashing continuously. His feet moved with the inertia of each strike, transforming the force of each attack into power for the next.
After several dozen exchanges, Toshiro felt completely unified with the bamboo sword in his hand. All strength throughout his body merged seamlessly.
Each swing, whether missing or being blocked, stored the sword's force, fueling an unending barrage of attacks against Yamamoto.
Toshiro felt his swordsmanship rapidly improving. Every move and stance he'd ever learned merged, no longer separate entities.
His techniques felt unprecedentedly fluid. He utilized every move and stance he knew… learned from school instructors, observed during sparring with Hyorinmaru, used by enemies.
This seamless, continuous onslaught lasted an unknown length of time until Toshiro's arms grew sore, his breathing became unsteady, and his steps turned weak.
Suddenly, Toshiro noticed that with his storm-like assault, he hadn't even been touched on Yamamoto's clothes' hem, and Yamamoto's feet had never moved from their spot.
Each time their swords clashed, Yamamoto's bamboo sword transmitted a clever force guiding Toshiro's next attack. Yamamoto was clearly instructing him.
"Thank you for your guidance, Captain-Commander," Toshiro said sincerely.
"No need for formalities. During private lessons, call me Genryusai-sensei," Yamamoto said.
"Genryusai-sensei truly lives up to being the Captain-Commander. Your swordsmanship is probably unmatched," Toshiro praised.
"No need for flattery. In pure swordsmanship, Captain Unohana is certainly not weaker than I am, perhaps even slightly stronger," Yamamoto said, shaking his head.
"Speaking of which, I must commend your talent. In terms of swordsmanship alone, you've reached the 7th Dan, surpassing most people already," Yamamoto praised.
"Not at all. I'm far from Genryusai-sensei's level. I still have a long way to go," Toshiro said modestly.
"No need for undue humility. I have reached the highest level in swordsmanship, the 10th Dan. In the entire Gotei 13, only Captain Unohana can compare. If you reached my level now, my thousands of years would have been wasted," Yamamoto explained.
"Within the 10 Dans of swordsmanship, 1st to 8th Dan are merely about application of techniques. However, 9th to 10th dan require not only mastering techniques but also comprehending one's own swordsmanship path, which isn't easily achieved," Yamamoto lectured.
"You are still at the 7th Dan, not even at the peak of technique application. So, continue honing your techniques for now," Yamamoto said.
"Rest for a while, then spar with Chojiro. His swordsmanship is at the 8th Dan, just slightly above yours. I'll return to handle official duties," Yamamoto said, walking out.
"Lieutenant Sasakibe, please guide me," Toshiro said, standing up after resting.
"No need for formalities. Since it's Genryusai-dono's order, I'll do my best," Sasakibe said, shaking his head.
If there was anyone in the Soul Society most loyal to Yamamoto, it was undoubtedly Sasakibe Chojiro, who had followed him for over two thousand years.
Yamamoto also trusted him deeply. The name 'Genryusai' was specifically chosen because of Sasakibe.
Yamamoto's full name was Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni. Initially, it was just Yamamoto Shigekuni. 'Genryusai' was added specifically because of Sasakibe.
"Then, let's begin," Sasakibe said, picking up a bamboo sword.
"Hah!"
"Hah!"
Both shouted and charged at each other simultaneously.
One was at swordsmanship 7th Dan, the other at 8th Dan. Although Chojiro was stronger than Toshiro, he couldn't defeat him immediately but could consistently apply significant pressure.
Under pressure, Toshiro's swordsmanship continuously improved.
It must be said, Yamamoto had chosen an excellent sparring partner for Toshiro.
Sasakibe's swordsmanship was precisely one level above Toshiro's… unable to defeat him quickly but capable of applying steady pressure to force out Toshiro's potential.
Thus, from then on, Toshiro came to the 1st Division daily to receive Yamamoto's guidance. After swordsmanship, he learned Hakuda, Kido, or other skills.
As Toshiro persistently came to the 1st Division for Yamamoto's teachings, time continued to pass.